Abstract: A system that re-plans jobs based at least in part on user preferences in response to system component errors includes an exception handler that receives an exception from one of a plurality of components executing a plan to process a job. The system further includes a planner that creates a new plan for the job based at least in part on a model-based planning technique and at least one user preference.

Abstract: A tool selection method, for a machine tool, comprising the steps of identifying the maximum tip distance (D2) of a currently selected tool (141), a next designated tool (142) and an intermediate tool (143) disposed therebetween; moving a tool rest (10) in the +(plus)X-axis direction after a machining by the currently selected tool (141) is completed until the tip of the currently selected tool (141) is spaced from a workpiece (W) along the X-axis by a distance provided by adding a clearance distance (E) to a difference between the maximum tip distance (D2) and the tip distance (D3) of the currently selected tool (141); moving the tool rest (10) in the +(plus)Y-axis direction until the tip of the next designated tool (142) is aligned with the rotation center axis (12a) of the workpiece (W) in the X-axis direction; and moving the tool rest (10) in the ?(minus)X-axis direction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional processing data setting system comprises an information input device for inputting information on a shape of a three-dimensional work surface to be processed and information on a processing pattern to be specified, a display for displaying a work surface representing the shape information virtually in three dimensions thereon, and a coordinate conversion means for converting data describing the pattern information in two dimensions to three-dimensional space coordinate data so that a pattern representing the pattern information virtually matches with the work surface on the display, thereby generating and setting the three-dimensional processing data.

Abstract: For controlling a motion sequence of a machine element, with which the control of the motion sequence of the machine element is carried out based on a functional relationship between a master shaft and a slave shaft, the functional relationship IS ascertained with consideration for several conditions of this motion sequence. The functional relationship includes at least one first section, which is defined by an nth-order polynomial, and at least one second section, which is at least partially separated from the first section, and which is defined by an ath-order polynomial. In this case, “a” is less than “n”.

Abstract: A method for positioning substrates in a substrate processing apparatus having a substrate alignment device, a first substrate transport apparatus and a second substrate transport apparatus, includes calibrating the substrate alignment device with a motion of the first substrate transport apparatus, and calibrating a coordinate system of the second substrate transport apparatus with the substrate alignment device.

Abstract: A configuration tool for configuring a frequency converter includes an interface with connector poles for connecting the configuration tool to the frequency converter and feeding configuration data from the configuration tool to the frequency converter. To facilitate the configuration of an unelectrified frequency converter, the configuration tool includes a battery or an electromagnetic field generator for conveying the energy required for electrifying at least the memory of the frequency converter to the frequency converter during the configuration.

Abstract: For dynamically cooling an input/output (I/O) controller, the presence of the I/O controller is automatically detected. The I/O controller includes an electronic component capable of generating heat that is greater than a predefined amount when the electronic component is operating in a predefined state. The I/O controller provides a control output in response to a demand indicative of operating the electronic component in the predefined state. The control output is provided to a baseboard management controller (BMC) that is capable of providing additional cooling to the I/O controller in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for optimizing the performance of a power generation and distribution system by forecasting very short term load forecasts through the use of historical load data, demand patterns and short term load forecasts.

Abstract: A method of measuring the quantity of wrap remaining on a round baler supply roll uses the existing wrap measuring apparatus of a round baler. An on-board microprocessor is programmed to calculate the minimum amount of wrap required for each bale, subtract the amount of wrap used to wrap a bale from the amount of wrap on the supply roll before wrapping the bale, and signal the operator if the amount on the roll is insufficient to wrap a bale. The microprocessor can also be programmed to signal the operator if the amount of wrap on the roll is insufficient to wrap a number of bales specified by the operator.

Abstract: A reconfigurable variable blank-holder force system (and method) for producing sheet metal stampings comprises a portable hydraulic unit, controlled by a digital control system and a knowledge-based expert system to enable reconfigurability and an easy transition from the try-out stage to production. The knowledge-base has a hierarchical structure and includes stored information about part geometry, material properties and press parameters. The expert system enables an operator to determine optimal blank-holder forces, and to fine-tune through a graphical interface unit. The optimal blank-holder forces are generated by hydraulic force actuators, using a controller running a nonlinear algorithm that accounts for valve nonlinearities, variable flow-rate and numbers of operational cylinders. The portable hydraulic unit preferably comprises hydraulic cylinders with quick disconnect hoses, a manifold, servo-valves and a pump unit.

Abstract: An autonomous and decentralized production control system comprising a plurality of production cells for performing the assembly and machining work. Each production cell proceeds with the production procedure by performing jobs in accordance with the works charged thereinto. A first embodiment comprises working cells each including a device for determining the working cell for executing an intended job. A second embodiment comprises a pallet for carrying an object of a job, and a device for determining the order of job priority in order to meet the product delivery time. Each working cell decides on the advisability and time of performing the job on the object, thereby autonomously implementing the production control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing defects on a specimen are provided. A method may include processing a specimen, detecting defects on the specimen, and repairing one or more of the defects. An additional method may include detecting defects on a specimen, repairing one or more of the defects, and inspecting the specimen to detect defects remaining on the specimen subsequent to repair. A system may include a process chamber, a measurement device configured to detect defects on a specimen, and a repair tool configured to repair one or more of the defects detected on the specimen. An additional system may include a measurement device, a repair tool, and an inspection tool configured to detect defects remaining on the specimen subsequent to repair. The systems may also include a processor configured to alter a parameter of an instrument coupled to the repair tool in response to output from the measurement device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article manufacturing apparatus that even a user unfamiliar with the article manufacturing apparatus can operate appropriately. The article manufacturing apparatus is a combinational weighing apparatus (1) arranged in an article manufacturing line, and is provided with a touch screen (70). The touch screen (70) displays operation screens that indicate the operation details to be performed by the combinational weighing apparatus (1), and guidance screens that provide procedural guidance on the operation details. In addition, the touch screen (70) inputs the operation details.

Abstract: Programmable material consolidation systems employing a machine vision system in combination with a 3-D printing system for accurately locating a position over a support element and optionally on a substrate on the support element, and forming structural features thereon. By use of the machine vision system, the precise location on a substrate or support element may be determined and communicated to the dispense element of the 3-D printing system such that a flowable material may be deposited and consolidated at a desired location to form a structural feature. Methods for forming various features and structures on a substrate employing the systems of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a semiconductor processing system. Among other things, the invention relates to a run-to-run controller to create virtual modules to control a multi-pass process performed by a multi-chamber tool during the processing of a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting apparatus which enables high levels of both maintenance/improvement of product quality and reduction of product cost by reliably preventing accidental contact of a mounting part with a mounting target part while enhancing the productivity.

Abstract: A method of optimising a design of a component by conducting at least one analysis employing a 3D computer model which incorporates empirically obtained data values stored as 2D data sets. Ambiguities between values from different data sets which relate to common nodes, where the nodes define polygonal elements common to both 2D data sets, are resolved by determining an apparent area of said common polygonal elements from each of the at least two 2D datasets. The data value from the 2D dataset associated with the common polygonal element having the greater apparent area is used. An optimum component design is selected on the basis of the results of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system comprised of a combination of submethods and subsystems relating to the manufacture of parts. By these submethods and subsystems, the present invention discloses using part data, machine data, and tool data to create a recipe for the production of a part. Also included in the recipe is an optimal combination of machine and tooling derived from a database of machine and tooling performance measurements. Further included in the recipe are a process plan and production settings. A party can select or create a vendor by using the recipe and a database of vendor information. Also disclosed by the present invention is monitoring of the machining setup and production to ensure manufacture of the part according to the recipe. The present invention can be implemented in numerous methods and systems, including sales of the recipe and licensing of the part production according to the recipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shell plating developing method leading to reduction of the amount of machining and improvement of the efficiency in manufacturing the shell plating. In the shell plating developing method according to the invention, a shell plating lattice system is constituted, and the directions in which the curvature of a shell plating P at each lattice point of the shell plating lattice system is maximum and minimum are determined (s102). Also, lines extending in the directions in which the absolute value of the curvature is large and small are determined as a first connection line L1 and a second connection line L2 (s104). The first connection line L1 is developed as a straight line on a flat plate P? while the length of the first connection line L1 is maintained.

Abstract: A lighting control system for managing utility operation parameters, including a ballast control module configured to communicate with a lighting ballast; a data processing module connected to the at least one ballast control module via a wireless communications link; and a wireless internet control center wirelessly connected to the ballast control module via the data processing module and arranged to operate a plurality of utility operation applications. The lighting control system may further include a plurality of repeaters connected to the data processing module. The communications link between the data processing module and the ballast control module is one of a local area network and a wide area network.